Jonathan congratulates Buhari on 72nd birthday
President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Muhammadu Buhari, his opponent at the 2015 presidential election, on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.
Buhari would be 72 on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by Reuben Abati, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Jonathan wished Buhari “good health and personal fulfillment”.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has written to congratulate General Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his 72nd birthday anniversary, which comes up tomorrow,” the statement read.
“In a congratulatory letter addressed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in next year’s presidential election, President Jonathan prayed that God Almighty should grant him many more years of good health and personal fulfillment.
“As you mark your 72nd birthday anniversary, I write, on behalf of my family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to extend warm felicitations to you.
“I join your family, friends, and well-wishers to thank God for your life and to pray that He continues to guide, guard and prosper you even as He blesses you with many more years of abounding health and personal fulfillment.”
Buhari, who has contested for the highest office in the country for three consecutive times, is expected to name his running mate against Jonathan on Wednesday.
Park one side outgoing president, thank you for the birthday message, but what you need to write now is your handing over letter not birthday messages. 2011, 2012, 2013, did you congratulate him, all this propaganda or should I say you’re scared already. Sai Buhari. #GMB
Good. Leaders, especially political leaders, in Nigeria need to evince this kind of attitude even with regard to opponents. It’s called MATURITY. If political parties just across our borders within this West Africa do invite other opposing parties to attend their conventions, can’t political parties in Nigeria do the same, and even begin to set more excellent standards for other countries’ political parties to follow?
Greek greeting.